UPSC Daily Current Affairs

MOSQUITO BATS:The Science Behind

Apr 12, 2024

What is a mosquito bat? A mosquito bat, often resembling a tennis racket, is a handheld electronic device designed to electrocute mosquitoes and other small flying insects upon contact. Read More...

LUCY FOSSIL: KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Apr 12, 2024

What is the Lucy Fossil? Lucy is the common name of AL 288-1, a collection of several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40 percent of the skeleton of a female of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis. Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia, Lucy is one of the oldest and most complete fossil skeletons of any adult, erect-walking human ancestor. How Old is Lucy? Lucy’s fossils are estimated to be around 3.2 million years old. Read More...

SUJANI WEAVING AND GI TAGGING

Apr 12, 2024

Q1: What is Sujani Weaving? A1: Sujani weaving is a traditional craft from Bharuch, Gujarat, characterized by a unique method of making quilts without any stitching. The fabric is woven and interlocked at intervals, creating pockets filled with cotton, producing a double-layered quilt entirely on a handloom. Q2: What does a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag mean? Read More...

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE AND ADITYA-L1 MISSION

Apr 12, 2024

What is a Total Solar Eclipse? A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, fully blocking the view of the Sun. For a brief period, day turns into night in the path of the Moon’s shadow. During the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the Sun will be completely obscured by the Moon for approximately four minutes. What is ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission? The Aditya-L... Read More...

NEANDERTHAL: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Apr 12, 2024

What is a Neanderthal? Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, were a species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They are closely related to modern humans but are recognized as a distinct species due to unique skeletal and anatomical features. Read More...

TARKHANWALA DERA: THE LOST HARAPPAN SITE

Apr 12, 2024

What is Tarkhanwala Dera? Tarkhanwala Dera is an archaeological site located on the right bank of the Ghaggar River in Anupgarh tehsil of Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India. It was identified as a unique settlement related to the Harappan Civilization, strategically located along ancient trade routes. Why is Tarkhanwala Dera significant? The site is significant for its strategic location and for providing evidence of a Mature Harappan settlement that exis... Read More...

Kumittipathi: Tamil Nadu Cave Art

Apr 12, 2024

The Issue: Ancient cave paintings located at Kumittipathi near Velanthavalam, Ponparappi Hills near Periyanaickenpalayam, and Vettaikaran Malai near Vellingiri Hills in Tamil Nadu are facing threats of destruction. These artworks, dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years, are recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India and are valuable pieces of early civilization art and history. Curre... Read More...

Essential Q&A: Nehru-Liaquat Pact 1950

Apr 12, 2024

What is the Nehru-Liaquat Pact? The Nehru-Liaquat Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was an agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1950. The pact was signed by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, and Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, aiming to protect the rights of minorities in both countries following the partition in 1947. Why was the Nehru-Liaquat Pact needed? After the partition of India in 1947, widespread communal riots... Read More...

PEACE CLAUSE FOR RICE IN THE WTO:India

Apr 12, 2024

Background: India has invoked the World Trade Organization (WTO) peace clause for rice for the fifth consecutive marketing year (2022-23), due to exceeding the prescribed subsidy limit for its farmers. With rice production valued at $52.8 billion during this period, India provided subsidies amounting to $6.39 billion, surpassing the 10% domestic support ceiling allowed under global trade norms. Read More...

Factors driving digital payment growth in India.

Apr 12, 2024

What is driving the significant growth in digital payments in India? Infrastructure Development and Government Policies: • The Indian government has actively promoted digital infrastructure development, focusing on increasing internet and smartphone penetration across the country. Initiatives like the Digital India campaign have played a pivotal role. • The introduction and widespread adoption of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system by the Nati... Read More...

MARRAKESH AGREEMENT AND THE WTO

Apr 12, 2024

Understanding the Marrakesh Agreement: The Foundation of the World Trade Organization The Marrakesh Agreement, signed in April 1994 in Marrakech, Morocco, established the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking a significant evolution in global trade governance. The agreement was the culmination of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations (1986-1994), which aimed to extend the scope of trade liberalization to sectors not previously covered by General Agreement on Tariffs ... Read More...

CIRCUMPOLAR DEEP WATER: SIMPLE FACTS

Apr 12, 2024

What is Circumpolar Deep Water? It’s a warm and salty water current that flows deep in the ocean around Antarctica. It comes from the mixing of ocean waters from around the world. Why is it important? This water is warm enough to melt Antarctica’s ice from underneath, which can affect sea levels and climate. Read More...

SOUTHERN OCEAN AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Apr 12, 2024

Overview: The Southern Ocean, encircling Antarctica, is instrumental in Earth’s climate system. Acting as a significant carbon sink, it absorbs a large portion of carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, helping mitigate the effects of climate change. This ocean also plays a crucial role in the global thermohaline circulation, a conveyor belt of ocean currents that regulates temperature and weather patterns worldwide. Read More...

INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION

Apr 12, 2024

1. What is the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)? The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental organization that works to ensure the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters are properly surveyed and charted. It aims to support safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. 2. When was the IHO established? The IHO was established in 1921, making it one of the oldest international organizations ... Read More...

AI for Civil Service:REDBOX COPILOT PROJECT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

Apr 12, 2024

What is Redbox Copilot? Redbox Copilot is an AI-powered tool designed for the UK civil service, aimed at automating the search and analysis of government documents. It facilitates the creation of briefings by summarizing the content of letters, briefings, minutes, speech transcripts, and other internal documents, making it easier for civil servants to access and interact with crucial information. How does Redbox Copilot work? Read More...